Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Policies

Admission requirements differ depending on the status of the applicant (freshman, transfer, etc.) and the level of academic program. The following sections describe the credentials considered, the admission requirements, and the application procedures for each applicant status and program level.

Secondary School Preparation

Michigan students should follow the Michigan Merit Curriculum, and all students are strongly encouraged to take core courses as follows:

Four years of English

Four years of college preparatory mathematics

Four years of social studies

Four years of science

Two years of world language

Beyond these core courses, students are encouraged to take courses or get experience in the arts and information technology.

Computation of High School Grade Point Averages

NMU recalculates the grade point average of high school students on a 4.00 scale by counting all grades received in the core courses outlined above for a minimum of six semesters. Grades in courses designated on the transcript by the school as honors, International Baccalaureate (IB), or Advanced Placement (AP) receive added weight in the computation. If the high school includes any college courses taken while in high school on the high school transcript, those grades will receive added weight as well. If a student has earned a GED, the “score average” is equated to a grade point equivalent for admissions purposes.

Computation of College Grade Point Averages

In calculating the grade point average of transfer students, Admissions computes college-level courses only, using credits attempted and honor points earned.

Standardized Achievement Testing

All applicants for baccalaureate programs (and some associate and certificate programs) must take the ACT or SAT. Exceptions to this policy are granted to those who: (1) will have earned 12 or more semester hours of college-level credit taken after high school graduation; (2) are international students other than Canadian; (3) are persons who have been out of high school for three years or more; and (4) are applicants to some associate, certificate, certification and diploma programs.

Note: Students intending to pursue an education program should provide their ACT/SAT scores even if exempt as noted above.

Transcripts

Admission decisions are made on official documents. Applicants should request that official transcripts be sent directly to the NMU Admissions Office (1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855) from each high school and college/university/trade school attended. Students who have earned a GED must have an official score report sent to NMU from the testing center.

Home School Policy

Students who have been home schooled at any time during grades 9-12, and who have not earned 12 or more college-level credits after completion of high school, should submit their ACT/SAT results and an official transcript of courses taken and grades earned while home schooled. A final transcript verifying high school graduation/completion, or an official GED score report, is also required. The official transcript may be from a school district, home school/curriculum agency, or the parent (if the parent was the educator). If a transcript is parent-produced, it should contain the graduation date, a statement that the information is accurate, and it should be signed by the parent and notarized. Students who have completed 12 or more college-level credits after completion of high school do not need to submit a high school transcript.